DecodedCars2020 Mazda CX-30
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Cx30 4dr SUV AWD, Cx30 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 172.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,146–3,342 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints34 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 143 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,342 lb (Cx30 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 9% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cx30 4dr SUV AWD | 172.8 in | 70.9 in | 61.8 in | 104.3 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,342 lb | 60/40 |
| Cx30 4dr SUV FWD | 172.8 in | 70.9 in | 61.8 in | 104.3 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,146 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-30 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 313 |
| CX-30 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 319 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 27 | +15% | $2,500 | 323 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | +11% | $2,600 | 334 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Kia Sportage | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · Feb 18, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V086000 · 13,857 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.
- Risk
- If the power liftgate unexpectedly lowers while a person is accessing the rear storage area of the vehicle, it can increase their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power liftgate control module software and inspect the serial number of the power liftgate drive unit, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4621B.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jun 12, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V347000 · 12,097 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The evaporative vent hose for the fuel tank may be disconnected, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the charcoal canister vent at the rear of the vehicle.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, the engine may stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the evaporative vent hose in the fuel tank. If the hose is disconnected, it will be reconnected and the charcoal canister with some related parts will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 29, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4520F.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Jun 12, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V346000 · 24,037 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
- Risk
- Loose brake calipers can reduce braking performance or interfere with wheel rotation, affecting vehicle handling. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake caliper bolts, tightening them as necessary. If bolts are missing, the affected brake caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4420F.
Not every 2020 Mazda CX-30 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Mazda CX-30 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 7 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 5 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,950 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Mazda CX-30. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CX-30 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 CX-30 | 27 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 CX-30 | 29 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 26 |
| 2024 CX-30 | 29 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 33 |
| 2023 CX-30 | 29 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 25 |
| 2022 CX-30 | 26 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 33 |
| 2021 CX-30 | 28 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 101 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →